Sphalerite

Sphalerite is an important ore of zinc which can have excellent luster.

Chemical Formula: ZnS

Other names: Zinc Sulfide

Layman's explanation: The mineral was discovered by a scientist named Glocker, in 1846. It was named using a Greek word meaning "treacherous rock. It has many locations, including Santander, Spain; Joplin, Kansas; Rosiclare, Illinois; Elmwood, Tennessee, USA; Broken Hill, Australia; Italy; Spain; Burma; Peru; Morocco; Germany and England. It can be used for galvanizing iron, brass, and die castings. Sphalerite also makes brilliant and colorful gems and is available in large sizes, but unfortunately its fragility restricts its decorative use to collections.

Keywords: high luster, twinning, zinc blende, blackjack

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